Stories from November 1, 2021

Media makes fresh plea for access to ex-cop Potter's trial
News organizations made a fresh plea Monday to the judge overseeing the case of a former suburban Minneapolis police officer charged in the death of Daunte Wright, asking her to allow live video coverage of the trial because of the continuing threat of COVID-19 and the strong public interest.
Public safety at the center of Minneapolis City Council races
Many incumbents who served through the period following George Floyd’s killing face challengers who are critical of the council’s actions last term and who want to pursue reform within the existing Police Department. 
New data from the state health department shows more than 8,000 Minnesotans have been infected with COVID-19 more than once. This is an MPR News Evening update for Nov 1, 2021. Hosted by Natasha Senjanovic.  Our theme music is by Gary Meister.
Election 2021: Where to find information on who and what's on your ballot
There are more than 50 elections and dozens of special elections taking place across Minnesota Tuesday. Many of these local races are challenging to find information on. Here’s a round-up of coverage from around the state.
Americans sour on economy amid inflation woes: AP-NORC Poll
Americans’ opinions on the U.S. economy have soured noticeably in the past month, a new poll finds. Just 35 percent of Americans now call the national economy good, while 65 percent call it poor, according to a poll by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research.
Employees are leaving their jobs in record numbers. What should workplaces do?
The so-called “great resignation” is here, and it’s not showing any signs of ending soon. So how do we deal with the burnout that workers are experiencing? MPR News host Angela Davis speaks with MPR senior economics contributor Chris Farrell and journalist Jennifer Moss, who recently wrote a book about burnout.
How St. Paul parents view this year's school board election
In many statewide school board races, the hot points are COVID-19 precautions and how to talk about race. But in St. Paul — the second largest school district in the state — families have different priorities.
A new book captures Cokie Roberts and her 'Life Well Lived'
At the 2019 funeral for longtime NPR journalist Cokie Roberts, her husband, Steven, told personal stories about their life together. There were still more to tell, so he dove into writing about them.
The pros and cons of releasing juror names and information
Susan Gaertner, former Ramsey County Attorney, spoke with Cathy Wurzer on Minnesota Now on Monday morning when Judge Peter Cahill released the names and questionnaires of jurors in the Derek Chauvin trial.
'Misfire' is a scathing look at nepotism, fraud and corruption in the NRA
The book by NPR's Tim Mak might be the final blow in terms of exposing the organization's rotten core and showing how a boundless love for money and power has eaten away at the group's foundations.
U of M to offer free tuition to many Native American students
Starting in the fall of 2022, the University of Minnesota will offer “substantial financial support,” including in many cases completely free tuition, to enrolled members of the state’s 11 tribal nations.
Following a warm October, November is beginning slightly below average. The cooler weather does not last long though, with milder temperatures returning by the weekend.
Survey: People of color perceive discrimination more frequently in Minnesota than nationwide
Researchers asked Minnesotans of color earlier this year about their experiences and perceptions of discrimination. In not a single category is the state doing better than the national average, they say.
Most Americans trust elections are fair, but sharp divides exist, a new poll finds
Many Republicans appear to have bought into former President Donald Trump's lies about widespread election fraud. A new NPR/PBS NewsHour/Marist poll finds that just a third of GOP voters say they trust elections are fair.
Temperatures dip a few more degrees Monday bringing highs below average, which will be chilly enough for northern Minnesota to see a couple snowflakes.
Daylight saving time ends soon. Here are 4 things you should know
More than a third of U.S. states now support the idea of making daylight saving time permanent. It's already in effect for about eight months of the year.
Judge hopes to seat Kyle Rittenhouse jury within a day
The trial of Kyle Rittenhouse kicks off Monday with the challenging task of seating jurors who haven't already made up their minds about the man who shot three people, killing two, during a violent night of protests last year.
The judge who oversaw the murder trial of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin will make the names of 15 jurors and alternates public on Monday. Judge Peter Cahill’s order says he will also make public the written questionnaires of all 109 potential jurors who were formally evaluated. This is an MPR News morning update for Monday, November 1, 2021. Hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Our theme music is by Gary Meister.
Supreme Court questions Texas law banning most abortions
A majority of the Supreme Court have signaled they would allow abortion providers to pursue a court challenge to a Texas law that has virtually ended abortion in the nation’s second-largest state after six weeks of pregnancy. But it was unclear Monday how quickly the court would rule.
As Election Day nears, Minneapolis mayoral candidates make final pitches to voters
At issue this election is not only who will lead Minneapolis, but also whether voters in the city that sparked a worldwide movement calling for police accountability will choose to drastically restructure public safety.
The COVID-19 pandemic has now killed 5 million people around the world
The U.S. continues to lead the world in the number of confirmed deaths from the virus, 745,800 people, according to Johns Hopkins University's coronavirus tracker — followed by Brazil and India.